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MEDIA ADVISORY : A real "sixth sense" in humans? UC Berkeley students explore the possibilityATTENTION: ASSIGNMENT DESKS
11.16.00
Contact:Kathleen Scalise
(510) 643-4107
WHAT: For a limited time this semester, freshmen at the University of California, Berkeley, will conduct experiments testing controversial findings from England that suggest people have an inborn ability to use the Earth's magnetic field and navigate without traditional use of senses such as sight and hearing. WHEN: The experiments currently are underway. Interested reporters should make arrangements ASAP through UC Berkeley Media Relations, (510) 643-4107. WHERE: The experiments are being held in 5188 Valley Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley. WHO: Blindfolded students will spin in laboratory chairs until disoriented. Some will have the Earth's magnetic field distorted by a magnet placed on their head; others will not. They will then attempt to identify the locations of common landmarks and directions such as north and south without sight or hearing. After data collection is complete, students will be available to talk about their role in designing and completing the scientific experiment, and about other aspects of their experience in the freshman seminar series. Additional visuals of interest include a variety of animal navigation devices on display at the nearby UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science, including: BACKGROUND: * A giant bat head that can be entered to experience sonar navigation from a bat's point of view. It includes sound. * A large model of a jellyfish showing the unique ways in which this creature gets around. * A three-yard-long "wall of hair" that replicates how navigational clues are gathered through tactile senses. * A variety of live animals, including turtles.
UC Berkeley
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